Pesticides and metals in grain-based products and vegan products : April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022

Abstract

The main objectives of this targeted survey were to generate additional baseline surveillance data on the level of pesticide residues and metal levels in grain-based products and vegan products available on the Canadian market and to compare the detection rates of pesticides in this targeted survey to those recorded in previous surveys. A total of 2048 samples of baked goods, breakfast cereal, pretzels, and vegan products were collected and tested for pesticides and metals. Pesticide residues were detected in 1275 (62%) of the samples. The overall compliance rate for pesticides in products tested in this survey was 99.4%. All of the 13 non-compliant results were associated with pesticide residues exceeding the general maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.1 parts per million (ppm). All of the survey samples collected were analysed for a suite of 19 metals. Only the data for metals of highest concern to human health at low levels of exposure are presented in this report, most notably: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Arsenic and cadmium had the lowest and the highest overall detection rate, respectively. Although baked goods and breakfast cereals most frequently contained at least 1 of the toxic metals, the average levels of metals were similar for all the product types. There are no maximum limits (MLs) set in Canada for metal levels in the products tested. All data generated were forwarded to Health Canada for human risk assessment and determined to pose no concern to human health. All non-compliant pesticide results obtained during the course of this survey were forwarded to the CFIA's Office of Food Safety and Recall (OFSR). The extent of the follow up actions taken by the agency was based on the level of the contamination and the resulting health concern as determined by a health risk assessment.